The Bridge Magazine 2019-2020

Pa l m B e a c h D ay Ac a d e m y

The Brid ge

89th

Walter H. Butler Field Day February 22, 2020 Work hard.

PBDA’s Magazine 2019-20 Sponsored by the Annette Rickel Foundation Be kind.

The Bridge Magazine

Palm Beach Day Academy Administration - 2019-20 Mr. Fanning M. Hearon III, Head of School Ms. Sarah Kemeness, Head of Upper School Mrs. Martha Bjorklund, Head of Lower School Mrs. Adrienne Arp ‘92, Director of Development Mr. Samuel Bourgeois, Director of Technology Mr. Paul Cicio, Director of Athletics Mr. William Coyle, Director of Finance and Operations Mrs. Dorothea Cvelbar, Associate Director of Admission Mrs. Stephanie Filauro, Director of Admission Mrs. Brent Gallagher, Associate Director of Marketing Mr. Richard Tummon, Director of Communications

Spring 2020

Board of Trustees - 2019-20 Mr. Grant Mashek ‘95, President Mr. Ben Alexander, Vice President Mr. Christopher Vecellio, Treasurer Mrs. Stephanie Carden ‘79, Secretary Mrs. Gita Costa Mrs. Caroline Forrest ‘92 Mrs. Juliana Gendelman Mr. David Gochman Mrs. Andrea Kosoy Mr. Kevin Lamb Mr. Matthew Lorentzen Mr. Timothy Mullen Mr. Christopher Orthwein ‘85 Mrs. Caroline Rafferty Mr. Todd Savage Mr. Charles Schumacher Mrs. Maura Ziska Life Trustee Mr. William Matthews ‘67 Ex Officio Mr. Fanning M. Hearon III, Head of School Ms. Lyanne Azqueta ‘84, Pres. Parent School Council Parent School Council - 2019-20 Ms. Lyanne Azqueta ‘84, President Mrs. Jennifer Johnson, Vice President - Upper Campus Mrs. Allyson Mashek Vice President - Lower Campus Mrs. Christina Macfarland ‘98, Secretary Mrs. Elizabeth DeBrule, Program Coordinator Mrs.Tara Vecellio, Pre-Pri. & Primary Representative Mrs. Brandie Herbst, K-3 Representative Mrs. Carmen Sosin, 4-9 Representative Mrs. Caroline Rafferty, Board Liaison Mrs. Stephanie Carden ‘79, Board Liaison Mrs. Ilkay Ozgenc, Lower Campus Faculty Representative Mr. James Gramentine, Upper Campus Faculty Representative Mrs. Amy Middleton, Past President Mr. Fanning M. Hearon III, Head of School

The Bridge is published by Palm Beach Day Academy to inform its community of the activities of the school, its students, faculty and parents.

Palm Beach Day Academy Upper Campus 241 Seaview Avenue Palm Beach, FL 33480 (561) 655-1188

Teddy Bear Picnic November, 2019

www.pbday.org

Lower Campus 1901 South Flagler Drive West Palm Beach, FL 33401 (561) 832-8815

Contents Mr. Fanning Hearon, Head of School.................................................................... page 2 Mission Possible....................................................................................................... page 3-5 Commencement 2019.............................................................................................. page 6 & 7 Alumni Spotlight...................................................................................................... page 9 Alumni Notes........................................................................................................... page 10 & 11 Corporate Sponsor Appreciation........................................................................... page 15 Innovation Lab......................................................................................................... page 16 & 17 Raymond J. Wean Library Renovation................................................................. page 19 100 Years.................................................................................................................... page 20 & 21 Coral Project 2.0........................................................................................................ page 22 & 23 STEAM Innovation.................................................................................................. page 24 & 25 Field Day 2020.......................................................................................................... page 26-29

First Day of School September 3, 2019 Photography Credits: Brent Gallagher Tracy Kramm ’80 Linda Merman Jamie Phillips Richard Tummon

The Bridge Magazine

2020 1

A Great Year . . .Interrupted

I

have written and rewritten this article community service projects around town several times over the course of the to several of our students being singled out last few days and weeks, especially for their academic achievements, there are now that I sense a growing communal numerous opportunities for PBDA to laud its nostalgia for the 2019-2020 academic year high-functioning student body. Nevertheless, at Palm Beach Day Academy. The recent I have to admit that some of my favorite disruption in our lives has caused so much moments of the year were when we were hand wringing - and hand washing - that it is simply together celebrating the strength of hard to reflect back on what was once a normal our community. From the formal Lead with school year, my first as Head of School at Honor assembly at the beginning of the year PBDA. Many parents have posed the question: to more informal daily gatherings like 5th did you ever think your first year at PBDA Grade Lunch, I am constantly reminded that would end like this? After dodging we have the greatest jobs on Hurricane Dorian back in August the planet. There is not only to start my tenure, I thought the beauty in what we accomplish rest of the year would be relatively as a team here every single day calm. Obviously, that has not at PBDA, but there are also been the case as I write this note some wonderfully funny and from the Head’s office on Seaview heartwarming moments along Avenue in an eerily empty school the way. building on what is normally a Nevertheless, here are my bustling and long day of classes.

Top Five Moments from a Year For me, the silver lining in all Interrupted: this has been the opportunity for - Drop off at 7:30 am any day of us to shine as an innovative and the week is always a highlight. flexible academic community. Not The sun is rising over the ocean, Fanning M. Hearon III, only have we made a successful there is always a nice breeze, PBDA Head of School shift to teaching online (PBDA is and to see Ms. Kemeness and officially using the term “distance learning” Mr. Stewart on Seaview Avenue and Ms. for our virtual approach to school), but our Bjorklund and her crew of teachers on Flagler students, teachers and parents have entered Drive enthusiastically greeting every student into a vital new partnership as an engaged and parent by name says everything you need community of active learners focused entirely to know about our welcoming community. on the completion of the spring term. It hasn’t - The Student Talent Show, sponsored by been easy, but we are doing an incredible job of the Student Council, was a rollicking affair handling a difficult situation together. complete with song, dance, comedy, and Without a doubt, we were experiencing a middle school zaniness. Not only is there a uniquely positive and productive school year lot of talent at PBDA, but to see the students before classes went online on March 30. Though unabashedly support each other and cheer PBDA remains proudly “open for business” for every single participant is another perfect during the nation’s quarantine thanks to our example of the manner in which we celebrate robust distance learning program, I am already student achievement, in all its forms, at PBDA. thinking back on certain highlights of the - The Student Carnival was simply awesome 2019-2020 academic year. From the first week and a nice opportunity for some of our of classes back in September, it was evident younger students on the Lower Campus to that our 99th year of operation was going to come to the Upper Campus for an afternoon be a good one. I remember vividly our first of fun activities. With games of chance, face faculty meeting and watching as several new painting, cotton candy, students pelting faculty members, myself included, mingled faculty with pies and a real live dunk tank, enthusiastically with our enviable collection all the ingredients for a successful afternoon of veteran teachers. I believed strongly then were in place. As one of our faculty members that there was a true sense of our unlimited commented: “not only is the carnival an potential as a team in what we could achieve event that brings together grades 3-9, but the this year. Though shutting down days later for students are the facilitators of the event. They Hurricane Dorian did halt our initial inertia, work hard to plan, prepare, and run their looking back it was an excellent test of our booths and they take ownership over all the ability to communicate and manage through activities. Rather than a teacher-led event, it is a crisis. Though no one wants to ever have to a student-led event where everyone is happy, use a hurricane to prepare for a pandemic, I excited, and having a lot of fun!” think that moment of high alert brought our - Knowledge Bowl and Field Day. These community and our staff together in a unique two events even exceed the hype! A 24 hour way, and one that certainly prepared us well for extravaganza of school spirit that has to the present situation. be experienced to be believed. One of the In terms of highlights of the academic year strengths of PBDA is our long list of special thus far, there are so many. From incredible traditions that create a true identity for the school and all its constituents. Field Day is

2242020 Bridge Magazine The

certainly one of the greatest days ever to be a Pelican, Flamingo, or Bulldog!

- Friday Flag on the Lower School campus is a joyful moment where one can celebrate the special feeling of camaraderie and spirit that pervades our Flagler campus. I love that parents are welcome and that a specific class presents at each Flag Ceremony. PBDA’s focus on public speaking at an early age is a real strength of our academic program. Our students grow up very comfortable presenting in front of their peers and receive positive feedback when trying things that might be uncomfortable for them at first. Plus, the singing of the school song always provokes some very positive feelings about the Lower School experience for anyone in attendance.

I could add so many more moments to that list, from holiday celebrations and singalongs to the simple joy of watching our students, decked out in blue and gold, compete in an athletic contest on a sunny winter afternoon in Palm Beach. It is incredible how nostalgic I am already for a normal school day amidst the current pandemic and resulting social distancing. Nevertheless, I remain wildly optimistic about PBDA and our future. Not even a pandemic can stop our progress and growth! Not only will we be back in school this fall, but we will celebrate to no end the school’s Centennial. This crisis has provided all of us with the opportunity to reflect on and appreciate the value of a Palm Beach Day Academy education. The beauty of PBDA is that we work hard, we lead with honor, and we are kind. We also take care of each other, especially in times of hardship. These past few weeks have shown us the true strength of our community and the importance of the academic day in our lives. Our teachers deserve a standing ovation for the work they have accomplished and the professional manner in which they have literally reimagined education for all our students. It is not perfect, and we would all prefer to be at school, but we are managing to deal effectively with a very difficult crisis, and I am deeply appreciative of how everyone has stepped up to help.

In summary, I do think that PBDA will emerge from this crisis a stronger and more cohesive academic community. Our students and faculty are learning more about technology and different modes of teaching and learning than they ever imagined possible. When school reopens in late August, I can imagine a wave of enthusiasm for being back in our buildings, seeing friends, and reestablishing old routines of work and play.

Thank you for reflecting with me on a great year interrupted and the special place that PBDA occupies in so many of our lives. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead this school, and I cannot wait to see everyone at drop off as we kick off our Centennial in the fall of 2020.

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ebruary 20th was Palm Beach Day Academy’s 2020 Day of Giving. The campaign raised close to $270,000 with gifts from trustees, parents, alumni, past parents, grandparents and friends across the nation - in just one day!

Nearly 300 parents, faculty, administrators and board members gathered at the Norton Museum of Art for a fun and festive cocktail party to kick off the 24 hour online giving period. Supporters were invited to make gifts online and encourage others to do the same in the spirit of raising the most funds in just one day. “We are profoundly appreciative of the contributions we have received, which are essential to supporting our faculty, students and programs,” said Fanning M. Hearon III, Head of School.

“Each donor’s benevolence has allowed us to become the outstanding school we are today, and as we approach Palm Beach Day Academy’s 100th birthday, we are thankful for the ongoing commitment of this great community to nurturing excellence in all areas of school life: academics, the arts, athletics, service and character.”

Palm Beach Day Academy is grateful to all the parents, faculty and friends who contributed to Mission Possible. PBDA’s community is also appreciative of Florida Crystals for generously sponsored the evening.

Valerie and Gregory Frost

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ebruary 20th was Palm Academy’s 2020 Day of Giving. The For a continually updated list of Beach donors,Day please visit pbday.org/MPupdate. campaign raised close to $270,000 with gifts from trustees, parents, alumni, past parents, grandparents and friends across the nation - in just one day! Nearly 300 parents, faculty, administrators and board members gathered at the Norton Museum of Art for a fun and festive cocktail party to kick off the 24 hour online giving period. Supporters were invited to make gifts online and encourage others to do the same in the spirit of raising the most funds in just one day. “I am so grateful for the incredible support our community showed during this year’s Mission Possible day of giving,” said Fanning Hearon, Head of School. “From lead gifts early in the process from our Trustees to generous donations made on cellphones at the evening’s kickoff celebration at the Norton Museum of Art, so many people rallied to celebrate and support the mission of Palm Beach Day Academy. I am also thankful for the good work of our Advancement team to organize this event and the generous leadership of so many of our parents. Not only was this a wonderful cause for PBDA, it was also a fun night to be together as a community.”

Palm Beach Day Academy is grateful to all the parents, faculty and friends who contributed to Mission Possible. PBDA’s community is also appreciative of Florida Crystals for generously sponsoring the evening.

Belinda Kamm and JM Diebold

For an updated list of donors, please visit pbday.org/MP.

Barbara Close, Turner Benoit, Tina Barbieri

Go Bulldogs!

Chris Goldberg, Lori Gendelman, Juliana Gendelman, Bruce Gendelman

Katie and Ben Alexander The Bridge Magazine

2020 3

F

ebruary 20th was Palm Beach Day Academy’s 2020 Day of Giving. The campaign raised close to $270,000 with gifts from trustees, parents, alumni, past parents, grandparents and friends across the nation - in just one day!

Nearly 300 parents, faculty, administrators and board members gathered at the Norton Museum of Art for a fun and festive cocktail party to kick ff the 24 hour online giving period. Supporters were invited to make gifts online and ncourageMargie othersand to do the same in the spirit of raising the most Aaron funds and in just day. “We Christian Siegrist Julieone Ford re profoundly appreciative of the contributions we have received, which are essential to upporting our faculty, students and programs,” said Fanning M. Hearon III, Head of School.

Each donor’s benevolence has allowed us to become the outstanding school we are today, nd as we approach Palm Beach Day Academy’s 100th birthday, we are thankful for the ngoing commitment of this great community to nurturing excellence in all areas of school life: cademics, the arts, athletics, service and character.”

Palm Beach Day Academy is grateful to all the parents, faculty and friends who contributed o Mission Possible. PBDA’s community is also appreciative of Florida Crystals for generously ponsored the evening.

Jed and Hallie Rosenthal

F

ebruary 20th was Palm Beach Day Academy’s 2020 Day of Giving. The campaign raised close to $270,000 with gifts from trustees, parents, alumni, past parents, grandparents and friends across the nation - in just one day!

Nearly 300 parents, faculty, administrators and board members gathered at the Norton Museum of Art for a fun and festive cocktail party to kick off the 24 hour online giving period. Supporters were invited to make gifts online and encourage others to do the same in the spirit of raising the most funds in just one day. “We are profoundly appreciative of the contributions we have received, which are essential to supporting our faculty, students and programs,” said Fanning M. Hearon III, Head of School.

“Each donor’s benevolence has allowed us to become the outstanding school we are today, and as we approach Palm Beach Day Academy’s 100th birthday, we are thankful for the ongoing commitment of this great community to nurturing excellence in all areas of school life: academics, the arts, athletics, service and character.”

Palm Beach Day Academy is grateful to all the parents, faculty and friends who contributed to Mission Possible. PBDA’s community is also appreciative of Florida Crystals for generously sponsored the evening.

For a continually updated list of donors, please visit pbday.org/MPupdate.

Tim Mullen and Will Matthews

For a continually updated list of donors, please visit pbday.org/MPupdate.

Miguel and Dayana Di Criscio Missy and Todd Savage

Elisabeth and Adam Munder

Caroline and Tom Forrest

Claudia and Peter Kajanoja Christina and Ben Macfarland

Adrienne Arp, Catherine Lignelli, Jeff Lignelli, Bryce Stewart

Kevin and Joelle Taylor

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Olga and Serge Strosberg

Jennifer Johnson, Sarah Kemeness, & Samantha Skaletsky

Pepe and Lourdes Fanjul

Christy and Fanning Hearon

The Bridge Magazine

2020

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Outstanding Students English Geometry Algebra 2 Biology History Spanish French Mandarin English

Albebra I Albebra II Geometry Science History French Spanish Mandarin

Class of 2020

COMMENCEMENT 2019

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n the morning of Commencement, June 7, 2019, PBDA’s 8th and 9th Graders spent their last few minutes together as a group. This would be the last time that they would all be assembled as PBDA students and their teachers, parents, grandparents and friends had come to join them and celebrate their accomplishments and honor all that their years at PBDA represent.

Eighth Grader Caroline Ghirardini led “The Pledge of Allegiance” before Interim Head of School, William Peebles, took the podium to offer a welcome to parents, friends and faculty.

Head of Upper School, Sarah Kemeness, conducted the Presentation of the Cup Awards which are indicators of the personal qualities valued by the school. The Essay Cups were established by Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Jose in honor of their daughter Polly, a former PBDA student. The Cups are offered to encourage good writing among the students in the Upper School and are awarded to the students who have submitted the most outstanding educational autobiography, research paper and character sketch during the year. The Katie Tummon ‘03 Educational Autobiography Awards went to Virginia Keen and Lucy Newmyer. The award for 9th Grade Character Sketch went to Bennett Stone. The John L. Thompson Research Paper Award went to Madison Oatley.

The Upper School 7th – 9th Grade Improvement Prize was established by the school to recognize the student who has shown the most overall growth as a scholar and as a school citizen. Ava Tarone received

this year’s 7 – 9th Grade Improvement Award.

The William H. Davis, Jr. Science and Mathematics Award was established in the memory of William Davis. It is considered the school’s highest honor in the complimentary disciplines of mathematics and science.

This year’s award was presented to Lucy Newmyer.

The Amory L. Haskell Cup honors the winning Walter H. Butler Field Day captains.

Pelican Captains, Dhru Patel and Ava Tarone were called to receive the Amory Haskell Cup. Taylor Handley received the Alumni Award. The Alumni Award, established by the alumni committee in 1989, recognizes the graduate who has consistently demonstrated consideration for his or her fellow students, the faculty and the school.

The Robert W. Bayless Scholar/Athlete Award was established by the Bayless family in memory of Robert Bayless, Director of Athletics and Chairman of the English Department from 1958 until his death in 1973.

The award recognizes an outstanding student in the Upper School for a combination of Honor Roll academics and athletic endeavors.

Annabelle Savage was the recipient of the Scholar/Athlete Award this year.

The Fletcher Hunt Memorial Cup was presented to the school in Fletcher Hunt’s memory by Colonel and Mrs. Robert F. Hunt, Jr. It was the wish of the Colonel and Mrs. Hunt that, for the first year, the cup be awarded to the student in the 6th Grade who attained the highest scholastic average, and that, each subsequent year, it be awarded one grade higher. It would accompany Fletcher’s class through the school, culminating in its presentation to a senior in June, 1967. After

that date, it returned to the 6th Grade as a permanent award. Maxine Wexler received the Fletcher Hunt Memorial Cup for 2019.

The 1958 Cup was established by the Class of 1958 to be awarded to the Upper School student who has set an outstanding example for his or her classmates. This award embodies such qualities as responsibility and willingness to serve, concern for others, personal integrity, and excellence in citizenship, scholarship and sportsmanship.

Jonathan Schram was presented the 1958 Cup. The Faculty Cup was donated anonymously by a parent who wished to provide a high academic goal for the school’s superior students. It is awarded each year to the Upper School student with the highest academic average for the year, provided the average is 90 or above. Bertie Azqueta earned the Faculty Cup this year.

The Holder Cup was given to the school

by Mrs. Holder to perpetuate the memory of Dan Holder and to serve as a source of inspiration to boys and girls in the Upper School. Dan Holder was a member of the faculty from 1949 until his sudden death in 1952. The Cup is awarded “for the student who, through his integrity, school spirit, scholastic endeavor and good sportsmanship, has contributed most to the life of the school.” The Holder Cup is considered to be Palm Beach Day Academy’s highest award.

Lucy Newmyer is this year’s recipient.

Long-time faculty members Lauran Rearic and Danielle Aronson honored our “Lifers” – those students who have been with Palm Beach Day Academy from pre-school.

Eighth Graders, Tatiana Georgas and

Jonathan Schram offered reflections on their time at PBDA and the many adventures that they and their classmates have enjoyed together over many years.

Sarah Kemeness honored Tracy Kramm with the 14th annual presentation of the Adele Shook Merck Excellence in Teaching Award.

Jennifer Andreon had been honored as the Adele Shook Merck Excellence in Teaching Award for the Lower Campus a day earlier at the Bridge Ceremony.

Sarah then asked faculty members Jan Marie Cook, Shana Dutkewych, Melissa George and Karie Petrovics to stand and be recognized for 10 years of service to PBDA. Jim Gramentine was asked to stand for 30 years of service, and Barbara Close and Wendie Crawford were recognized for 40 years of service to Palm Beach Day Academy.

Board of Trustees Secretary, Stephanie Carden ‘79, and Interim Head of School, Billy Peebles, presented diplomas to the 8th Graders – The Class of 2020.

The faculty presented each 9th Grader for graduation individually before Sarah Kemeness offered the closing remarks that led to the recessional of faculty and graduates.

Faculty, family, alumni and friends joined in saluting the winners of the commencement awards and in honoring our 8th and 9th Graders. These fine students are the ones who uphold our school’s traditions of excellence.

English Algebra I Science History French Spanish Mandarin

English Math Science History Spanish French Mandarin

9th Grade Parker Costa Caroline Carr Parker Costa Lily Arp Parker Costa Parker Costa Athena Burger Taylor Handley 8th Grade Caroline Ghirardini & Mei Visconti Tatiana Georgas Jackson Moross Mei Visconti Lucy Newmyer Jonathan Schram Emily Li Caroline Ghirardini Mimi Gochman 7th Grade Alexis Koch Bertie Azqueta Bertie Azqueta Bertie Azqueta Sterling Malnik Roger Ramos Bertie Azqueta & James Caprio 6th Grade Mary Arp Gavin Hammonds Alexa Lignelli Enrique Tomeu Mary Arp Ciara Lee Gavin Hammonds

Amory L. Haskell Dramatics Award Madison Oatley Carol M. Bayless Computer Award Amelia Kelty & Evan Fanberg David K. Daniels Fine Arts Award Lily Arp Music Award Felipe Ma-Pinto Michael F. Matthews Pi Award Bertie Azqueta Publications Award Lucy Newmyer Playwriting Award Lily Arp 6th Grade GRIT Prize Rachel Petrelli 7th Grade Judy Varady Monologue Award Bertie Azqueta Chapin Cup (Outstanding 5th or 6th Grader) Maxine Wexler The Bridge Magazine

2020 7

“The Bridge” asked distinguished PBDA alumnus, Chris Mettler ‘91, to recall his time here at school, share the experiences he had on the way to his career and offer some advice to our current students.

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hris Mettler ‘91 is Founder and President of Sovereign Co. where he leads strategy and business development. Previously, he founded two marketing and financial technology businesses, CompareCards and SnapCap, both of which were acquired in separate transactions by LendingTree (Nasdaq: TREE). Prior to his work in marketing technology, Mettler held a senior business unit management position at Illinois Tool Works (NYSE: ITW), a Fortune Global 200 manufacturing company.

Q:

THREE LOCATIONS ONE DESTINATION

www.schumacherauto.com

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When you think back on the time you spent at Palm Beach Day, what are your fondest/favorite/funniest memories?

A:

Q:

Looking back over your years at PBDA what aspects of the experience do you think most contributed to who you became?

A:

I think the academic rigor of PBDA helped me realize that if I put forth the effort, I could achieve. For the first four years at PBDA, I was a C+ student. There were several kids that really paid attention and school came pretty easy for them. I was not one of those children. Many times at this age, I would drift off during class to think about my little league baseball games.

I remember thinking that this school may not be the best place for me because I couldn’t academically keep up.

In third grade, I was held back so that I could mature and review the same material for another year.

My 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Babcock, took a real interest in “how” I learned and spent a lot of extra time outside of school, in her own home, making sure that I was able to build confidence in both reading and math. I could get A’s, I just needed to dedicate the effort to do so.

One of my fondest memories was when Mr. Greco walked into a classroom. He had this unmistakable limp because he played so much tennis. Nearly every student feared him and also loved him. There was absolute complete silence as soon as Mr. Greco opened the door. He was really funny and would Chris Mettler, Class of 1991 say things with a straight That 3rd grade year was face that you thought he was serious about, a launching point. I spent extra time outside of but when you got home from school, and school with a reading specialist (an hour away reflected on the day, you’d think to yourself from my home) that told me I was only “reading” “that was actually really funny.” the words, not taking the important time to understand them. I realized then and there after When Mr. Greco spoke, every student a session with this specialist that if I was going listened – I mean every student - otherwise to succeed at PBDA, I would need to work extra it would come back to *haunt you* in some hard. The ability to do the work at PBDA required way or fashion. If you didn’t listen to a a concerted effort outside of the classroom – not key instruction, Mr. Greco had no problem just during school. calling you out in front of the class or by written form on a key assignment. He was Based on my teachers taking the effort to assist a tough teacher but forced you to dig really my learning development (Mrs. Sarko and Mrs. deep and bring out your inner best. When Greco as well), I was given the “Most Improved you did, you really knew that your hard Award” in 5th grade. It was a silver plate work had paid off – there were no awards for (probably silver plated but pure silver to me) that just being a participant in his class.

I put on my desk at home. It held a lot of value to me. The award symbolized all the after school

hours that my mother had so patiently and graciously waited outside for me to complete. For the first time while at PBDA, I felt like I could handle myself academically and, at last, succeed in school. I came to the conclusion that being successful in life was about my individual work ethic not any God given capability.

Q:

What was the most useful lesson that you took with you when you graduated from Palm Beach Day?

A:

I miss the coat and tie – seeing the girls in the old yellow PBDS dresses. I remember taking class pictures and needing to wear my assembly best dress code. When I put-on the PBDS clip on, I felt empowered.

It was an honor to wear a blue blazer that meant something – I attended a school that celebrated hard work and also took time to have fun.

Fast forward, I experienced true respect for my school and most importantly its institution role in my life. We now live in an environment of complaints, over parenting and needing to be politically correct - in all we do. PBDS was not politically correct but to me I that seems to have made it unique.

I remember my parents agreeing with my bottom being paddled – they just needed a call first. The lesson that I came to realize is: take your school seriously, but know when to take the clip-on off.

Q: A:

What advice would you give the current students at Palm Beach Day?

Take a step back to dream about your future. Everything in your world (not by your doing) is about the instant. Take the effort to spend time with and to learn from your grandparents. They have been through REAL wars that truly have been felt at home (within the USA). They have been through significant health crisis and global scares before. Some may even have had Polio which they overcame.

Envision yourself at each level of your educational career (e.g. Middle School, High School, College). Think about what ignites your inner inferno. Figure out what best drives you each day. Once this is clear, make a concerted effort to devote the time and energy to being the best you.

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2020 9

Alumni Notes 1958

Marion (Holder) Straton (Flamingo) graduated from Rosemary Hall in 1958 after attending the Palm Beach Private School for 8 years (Flamingo Co-Captain). She received her B.S. Degree in Early Childhood Education from Wheelock College, and later did graduate work at Columbia University.

Marion has taught at Collegiate School, Spence School and The Buckley School in NYC. She also taught for 8 years at The National Society for the Colonial Dames while daughter Ashley was growing up. She also substituted at the Chapin School and taught at the Tuxedo Park School in Tuxedo Park.

In NYC, Marion worked with abandoned babies at The Foundling Hospital through the Junior League, tutored poor children in a Neighborhood House and was Vice President of the Friends of the Henry Street Settlement where Meals on Wheels was started.

In 2013 in Palm Beach, Marion was presented with the United Way Nettie Finkel Award for the “Volunteer of the Year in Palm Beach County” by the Mayor of Palm Beach at the Breakers Hotel.

In 2019, Opportunity, Inc., which provides early childhood education for those less fortunate, honored Marion with the Winifred Anthony Award at their luncheon at the Sailfish Club.

She was also recently thanked for her work by Bethesda-by-the-Sea where she has cooked for and fed the homeless for almost 12 years at St. George’s Church in Riviera Beach.

1966

L. Dean Hoover (Pelican) served for eight years as a Medical Officer in the USN, followed

by Psychiatric private practice in Annapolis, MD. In 2012, he retired and moved to Panama for more adventure!

1967

10 2020

1973

Christy Falcon Maasbach (Pelican) has been fixing and flipping houses in the West Palm Beach area for three years. She is still loving tennis, and loves running into Day School alums around town.

1984

Marjorie Gubelmann got her broadcasting license while studying at New England College and worked as a DJ on the local radio station under the name “Mad Marj.” Since turning pro again, she has been rhapsodizing new generations with her uncanny mix of irresistibly danceable music, spinning for clients all around the world. Mad Marj’s Marjorie Gubelmann client list includes Bulgari, Dolce and Gabbana, Tiffany & Co., Tory Burch, Baccarat, Clinique. Kiehl’s, Longchamp, Google and Cadillac. “I can get anyone to dance,” Mad Marj says. “I promise you, I’ve seen it, the most unlikely people. This is the passion of a lifetime. In my whole life, I’ve never had so much fun doing anything.”

1985

Lizann Webb Miss (Flamingo) has been using her abilities to be involved in areas that interest her in the city of Vero Beach, FL where she currently resides with her cat,

Lesa & Dean Hoover

William Chanler III’s (Flamingo) novel, Son of Terror: Frankenstein Continued, was self-published in 2017 and in early 2019, he narrated its audiobook. The The Bridge Magazine

book has received great reviews, including one from bestselling author Douglas Preston who posted a rave review on Audible.com.

Chanler has since completed a psychological thriller and is currently editing the biography of an important 15th century princess and duchess.

Lizann Webb Miss

William Chanler III

Olive. For the past three years, she has been volunteering two days per week at Vero Beach - Indian River County Humane Society where she has been doing cat socializing.

She is often called-upon to work at offsite locations, such as banks and pet stores, to better prepare the cats to be adopted out.

She is also volunteering at the Indian River County library shelving for the Media Department. She has also sung soprano in her church choir in Vero Beach for the past three years.

1987

George O. Bayer (Flamingo) is Senior Director at Cobec Consulting in Washington, DC where he directs management consulting teams that develop cost/benefit analyses and business case valuation models for major FAA capital investments and acquisitions, supporting the National Airspace (NAS) infrastructure and FAA NextGen programs.

In 2019, George focused mostly on organic corporate growth and new commercial enterprises for Cobec Consulting. Prior to his consulting work for the FAA, George developed discounted cash flow (DCF) valuation models for oil, gas, and power capital investments at ConocoPhillips and BP and worked in resorts finance at Disney.

He lives in the Washington, DC metro area with his girlfriend, Amanda, and longhaired dachshund and frequently travels to Florida to visit family and his daughter, Katerina, who is an engineering student at the University of Florida.

Adriana Vollmer-Aguilar (Pelican) continues to live in Key Biscayne (since 1997) and keeps busy with the regular goings on of work and kids. She now has a Sophomore at Northwestern University (Nicolas) who is studying Civil Engineering. Her son Ignacio, is a Senior who graduated last Spring from Belen Jesuit Prep and is now attending the Honors College - Miami Dade. Her daughter Carolina is a Junior in the IB program at Coral Gables Senior High School. Ana Cecilia is now in 3rd grade. Never a dull moment!

1989

Stephanie Jeanne Halimi (Pelican) is happily living in Paris working for the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) as their internal Communications Coordinator.

Stephanie has two lovely girls, Mathilde & Heloise Mathilde (10) and Heloise (6) and an English husband who is not too pleased about Brexit. Stephanie has not been to Palm Beach in years but still keeps in touch with most of her Day School friends.

1994

Frankie Schuster’s (Pelican) clan has grown!

Frankie and his wife Kristina, are doing well with their three boys Nicholas (5), Peter (4) and Francis (7mos). They are currently living in Darien, CT. Frankie has started a new company, Smile Beverage Werks Frankie Schuster (sbwerks.com), with partner Michael Sands. The company provides commercially compostable coffee pods with a patented oxygen barrier, giving the pods a 12+ month shelf life. They are completely carbon neutral produced and 100% plant based. Their Nespresso pods are available now, with Keurig K-Cup pods recently launching on Earth Day 2020.

Sophia Abbott & Will Murphy

and Sasha Feldman (‘04) were bridesmaids.

She is Director of Data Partnerships for NY based tech company Yext.

Catherine Cooney Yeatman, Bianca Chevallard, Sasha Feldman and Chelsey Rappleye celebrate at the wedding of Sophia Abbott.

2012

This past fall, Oceanna L. Schnirman (Pelican) began veterinary school at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Nicholas, Francis & Peter Schuster

1998

Alex Russell (Pelican) is living in Old Greenwich, CT and working as Associate Director of Admissions at Greens Farms Academy in Greens Farms, CT.

2000

Caroline Kirkpatrick Moore’s (Flamingo) best friends today are the same friends she had at PBDS. So much so, in fact, that Chelsea Keller Kunde ‘00 is the godmother of Caroline’s first child, and Angeline Gauntt ‘00 is the godmother of Caroline’s second child.

2003

Fritz Van der Grift (Pelican) and his wife Judy welcomed their first baby boy in October. Fritz is working in West Palm Beach at Merrill Lynch as an Assistant Vice President. This year, Fritz was on the board of the Hanley Foundation, and served as co-chair of the Inaugural Young Friends of Peggy Adams Gala, held in November 2019 at The Norton Museum of Art.

2004

Sophia Abbott is living in Santa Monica, CA with her husband Will Murphy after spending 7 years in NYC. They were married September 8, 2018 in Peru, Vermont.

Christina “CC” Conrad Bernstein was her maid of honor, and Bianca Chevallard (‘04)

2017

Allison Sanchez (Pelican) has had a wonderful high school career at The Pine School. She is a four sport athlete, member of National, Spanish and Art Honor Societies and a Head Prefect in student government.

Allison’s award winning photography has been exhibited around the country, and she is excited to be a Pathfinder nominee this year.

Allison plans to continue her passion for the Arts while studying Marine Science. She will always be a proud Pelican.

2020

Rafe Cochran’s golf game is going very well.

He is currently organizing his 5th annual Rafe Cochran Golf Classic in South Florida to raise money to build a fourth school in Jamaica. Rafe is currently at Oxbridge and is working hard but enjoying himself.

Alumni

Send Us Your News alumni@pbday.org

Why PBDA? Palm Beach Day Academy creates confident learners.

Serving Palm Beach County’s Primary through 9th Grade students, Palm Beach Day Academy has found the right balance of challenging academics and individual support, the right balance of personal achievement and social awareness, and the right balance of disciplined structure and individual creativity.

561-832-8815 pbday.org Congratulations

Palm Beach Day Academy

Graduates 2020 Secondary School Acceptances American Heritage School..............................2 Baylor School................................................1 The Benjamin School.....................................11 Berkshire School...........................................2 Cardinal Newman High School.......................1 A.W. Dreyfoos School ofthe Arts ��������������������2 Episcopal High School....................................1 G-Star School of the Arts..............................1 The Hill School..............................................1 The Island Academy of Hilton Head ��������������������1 The Hotchkiss School....................................1 Kontakta Procivitis Helsingborg ��������������������1 The Lawrenceville School..............................2 Millbrook School. .........................................3 Miss Porter’s School.....................................2 Oxbridge Academy. ........................................18 The Pine School. ............................................1 Pomfret..........................................................3 Proctor Academy. ..........................................1 Saint Andrew’s School...................................8 St. George’s School. .....................................2 Suffield Academy............................................2 Suncoast High School....................................1 The Taft School.............................................1 Ninety-eight percent of PBDA’s 8th and 9th grade students have been admitted to their first-choice secondary schools. As they leave PBDA, they carry with them a confidence that can only come from reaching high standards through sustained personal effort.

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The The Bridge Bridge Magazine Magazine

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The Bridge Magazine

2020 13

Palm Beach Day Academy

is grateful for the generous support from its 2019–20 Corporate Partners Mission Possible Sponsor

Florida Crystals Corporation Bridge Magazine Sponsors

Annette Urso Rickel Foundation (Magazine sponsor) Hanley Foundation (Back Cover sponsor)

Walter H. Butler Field Day Sponsor Schumacher Automotive Group

Community Sponsors

Carolex Stables The Esplanade Palm Beach The Grand Tour HIVE For Her, HIVE For Him & HIVE For Kids

New Parent Breakfast Sponsor

Margit Brandt for Brown Harris Stevens

Toddler Tuesdays Sponsor Simon Isaacs Real Estate

Field Day Tent Sponsors

Dana Koch for Corcoran Group Fernando Wong Outdoor Living Design Mae Ferguson for Douglas Elliman J.P. Morgan Private Bank, Palm Beach McCranels Orthodontics

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Bridge Magazine Ad Sponsors AMC Custom Builders, LLC Aristokids Balda Health Big Time Restaurant Group Botanica Landscaping, LLC The Breakers Bruce Gendelman Insurance Services Christian Angle Real Estate Dailey Janssen Architects David Lambert First Republic Bank Fisher, Potter, Hodas, PLLC Gruber Consulting Engineers, Inc. Gunster Hedrick Brothers Construction Co., Inc. Ibis Building Corporation J Wentley John C. Cassidy Air Conditioning, Inc. Jones Foster P.A. Kochman & Ziska PLC MHK Architecture & Planning Myers Auto Group Paris Ceramics P.B. Boys Club P.B. Girls Club Stephen Smith Sterling Organization The Grand Tour The Law Offices of Abigail Beebe The Palm Beach Post & Ideabar The Royal Poinciana Plaza - Up Markets Wells Fargo Palm Beach Branch

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2020 15

Martha Bjorklund, Head of Lower School

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hen we began planning for the new Innovation Lab on the Lower Campus, we envisioned a place where students would be exposed to an entirely new world of learning. A world where children could learn and grow by playing, building, and tinkering using a variety of hands-on tools and technology. Thanks to a generous professional development donation for training from David Gochman, the tireless work of our Co-Directors Heather Fanberg and Linda Merman, and help from Chris Evans installing equipment and putting on the finishing touches, PBDA now has such a place.

As soon as I entered the Innovation Lab

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in late August of 2019, I knew we had a dynamic learning environment on our campus perfect for curious young thinkers.

Each time I entered the Lab in the weeks to come, I saw students tackling a variety of new challenges that were designed for creative thinking and problem-solving.

Students loved Linda and Heather’s STEAM challenges, which were thought-provoking and demonstrated to children that there were often alternate ways to achieve the desired result. They left no stone unturned, even taking the time to paint parts of the space to add color and complexity to different sections. Studies have shown that colors can make a difference in a learning environment. I had previously learned this firsthand working on a research project with graduate students from an English University. Students were asked questions

and completed a survey about favorite colors, choices of rooms, and how it affects their mood. We discovered that color makes a difference in setting the tone.

containing robots. Eventually, five different kinds of robots were available for students in the Innovation Lab to learn the basics of coding.

Each time I entered the Lab, I felt like a child entering a candy store as children from all grade levels were excited and having fun playing, experimenting, and exploring. The first endearing sight for me was to see one of the faculty children building and arranging the huge legos before the start of school. He built a fort and a robot and expressed to me that the Lower School students would be so excited to play with his creations. I assured him that he was right. His contributions would be a welcome addition to the room, and the students would be so excited to explore what he had created. On my next visit, I saw several boxes being unpacked

Exploration begins with our youngest students, and developmentally increases as appropriate tasks are given out by our instructors at each grade level. I observed this in the months to come as students from each grade were working on all kinds of projects. In one section of the room where a green screen was located, Heather worked with second graders on their animal reports.

After studying the habitat their particular animal lived in, they then put themselves in that habitat with the use of the green screen. Second graders then made slideshows showing students in their animal’s habitat.

Second and third graders used Chromebooks

for keyboarding practice, to learn math and science skills, and to make posters and displays using Google Draw. Linda worked with students of all ages doing learning activities on iPads. Several different types of robots, such as Beebots and Ozobots, taught students the importance of understanding how every step/move mattered, essentially foundation skills for coding. Numerous building materials like giant life-size legos, beautiful wooden blocks, Lincoln Logs, popsicle sticks, magnetic block sets, lego, and magnet walls, were used to make and build things. It has been suggested that just playing with blocks helps children absorb basic math concepts, but in addition, teachers found children would naturally want to help each other. Desired results occurred when they shared ideas on alternate designs. Magnet walls to build on, 3-D printers to design

with, scratch coding, stop motion, and tech explosion activities, the Innovation Lab is truly a hands-on learning place filled with adventure and excitement.

Each prospective parent that visited the Lower Campus of PBDA that summer was always taken from my office straight up the stairs to the Innovation Lab. I was like a proud mother showing off my new offspring.

Parents were excited to see this newly designed space. They agreed it was not like any other classroom, but rather a place where they could imagine their child loving to come to play, learn, and explore. Play is an essential component of learning. By providing this awesome learning environment to play in, I am confident that we are creating lifelong thinkers that will inquire, explore, and innovate.

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Raymond J. Wean Library - Renovated!

“Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.” –Steve Jobs Sarah Kemeness, Head of Upper School

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n April, 2019, a committee consisting of board members, teachers and administrators met in the Wean Library to discuss the current use and condition of the space. With an “if we build it, they will come” mindset, the Wean Library was renovated and in late September, Palm Beach Day Academy’s fourth grade students were invited to “re-open” the library doors.

Research included visiting local school libraries, and Google searching school libraries all over the country. What PBDA was in search of was a space that allowed for a stronger culture of reading, a place to work collaboratively, and a meeting place for our students and faculty.

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What was most important was the advice from our current students. They wanted a space that felt as comfortable as their study spaces at home – a cozy corner in their living room, a couch where projects were discussed, or a space to lounge and read a book. So, for the next few months, the administration (with the help of Chad Renfro, designer and friend of PBDA) sought after furniture, carpet colors,

and wood shades that would feel similar to the students’ home workspaces.

Due to the efforts of Lower School Librarian Jen Andreon, library book circulation has increased; Mrs. Andreon has rebuilt the school’s library collection so the students have more authors from which to choose.

A space that hosted study halls and wheel classes for our upper elementary school students has turned into the new morning hangout. Students arrive early enough to spend twenty to thirty minutes in the library to chat with classmates, review for an upcoming assessment, work on a jigsaw puzzle, or have a quick game of BananaGrams before first period.

The conference room, with floor to ceiling glass, was designed with the students in mind. The space, which includes a 12-foot long table, a sink and write-able glass walls, allows students to work collaboratively without disturbing the rest of the library.

Now, this room is used for National Junior Honor Society meetings and after-school tutoring, secondary school admissions visits, and for some of our faculty, who want a

change of scenery.

While the four oversized yellow chairs are the most sought-after seats, especially for those students defending their chess champion status, the high tops allow our older students to get a taste of life outside of elementary school sized furniture.

The entire sixth grade uses the library for their last period. The high-top tables, the two quiet rooms, the conference room, the couches and the computer lab tables allow for all students to have a space to work. As well, the sixth-grade teachers, who work with their students during this time, enjoy this end-of-day tutoring in a space filled with tremendous light coming in off Seaview Avenue.

A focal point during Admissions tours and a delight for our alumni, The Wean Library is not just a space filled with funky chairs and comfortable ottomans. While the furniture is sort of spectacular in the minds of a middle schooler, what is being produced in this space is what matters.

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PBDA’s Centennial Year - 2020-2021

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alm Beach Day Academy will begin its 100th year on August 31, 2020. For ninety-nine years, this grand Palm Beach institution has warmly welcomed and guided generation after generation of children and their families as a century of history has come and gone outside her doors. More than 20,000 school days have started with the sun over the ocean and ended with the last ride home from a well-played game. With a few days off for an occasional hurricane, and now even a months-long pandemic pause, Palm Beach Day Academy has remained a perennial home to those fortunate enough to join her family. Those children, their teachers and their parents – many long grown, some even gone, others just starting – are the story of this grand old school. During this Centennial year, we will honor them all; the founders, the children, the teachers, the visionaries and benefactors – everyone whose determination and dedication has carried our school through its first 100 years.

Palm Beach Day has a rich and vibrant history. While Henry Flagler was making Palm Beach an opulent paradise at the turn of the century, the sunshine, ocean waters and social life continued to draw the wealthy families from the midwest and the northeast. They came with trunks of clothes,

tennis racquets, golf clubs, and their books.

Forward thinking educators founded a boys school and a girls school in 1921 to serve the families during the season from Thanksgiving to George Washington’s birthday.

Understanding the need for a co-educational school, a small group of philanthropic parents, whose names are associated with the growth of the town, founded the Palm Beach Private School in 1931, merging the Palm Beach School for Boys and the Palm Beach School for Girls. With exemplary leadership and financial support, this original board of trustees led the school through the Depression and World War II, eventually turning over ownership of the school to the families who attended the school. In the succeeding decades, the school responded to social, cultural, and economic changes by lengthening the school year, adding electives, expanding and upgrading the Palm Beach campus and eventually merging with the Academy of the Palm Beaches to accommodate an expanding student body.

Through this history of change, the tradition of academic, athletic, and artistic excellence has remained the same.

For the past year, a Centennial Committee has been planning an array of celebration events. The Committee is co-chaired by Missy Robinson Savage ’83 and Barbara Bayless Close ‘67. Committee members

include Adrienne Carson Arp ’92, Christina Matthews Macfarland ’98, Anne Metzger, Lyanne Azqueta ‘84, Jim Gramentine, Caroline Koons Forrest ’92, Fanning Hearon, Grant Mashek ’95, and Fritz Van Der Grift ‘03.

Plans include a Kick-off party in the fall, an Evening with Ralph Greco, monthly podcast series entitled Old School which will highlight stories from alumni, a monthly blog detailing the rich history of PBDA by Hilary Beesch Mendoza ’71, an Alumni Speaker Series on both campuses, a schoolwide Centennial Flag Design Contest, a Centennial Day Celebration on the 100th day of our 100th year where we will celebrate the history of our fascinating school, a Centennial “100” Fun Run, an extra special Field Day, and a Centennial Gala in the spring.

We are so excited to celebrate 100 years as a school. We look forward to reconnecting with all people who have created our amazing history… alumni, teachers, parents, and friends. Here is a link to input your information. pbday.org/support-pbda/ alumni/class-notes-and-updated-info Feel free to reach out to us! Missy at missysavage@gmail.com and Barbara at bclose@pbday.org.

ennial Podcast Palm Beach Day Academy’s Cent

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Erin Mitchell, Science Department Chair

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BDA’s Coral Project, which started as an Eighth and Ninth Grade initiative, has branched out to reach all grades and has expanded to include additional environmental research vital to Florida’s future. Through partnerships with community and national organizations like the Reef Institute, MANG, FAU’s Pine Jog, Community Greening, LOX Farms, and more, PBDA students have had the chance to explore additional ecosystems and better understand how each is interconnected. In addition, the Coral Project continues to bring in guest speakers, like 4Ocean and Zack Rago, co-star of the award-winning Netflix documentary “Chasing Coral,” to speak to the larger school community.

Preserving and Restoring our Local Environment: A Closer Look at PBDA’s work in the Lake Worth Lagoon Our 8th grade students made us proud on Wednesday, February 26. They participated in real-world research with local scientists to monitor the effectiveness of the oldest restoration project in the Lake Worth Lagoon at Munyon Island. Their teamwork, effort, and scientific skills were amazing to witness.

They had a great time and are now analyzing the data they collected in order to submit their findings to FWC, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

In March, our 8th and 9th graders had

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the opportunity to be part of the Tarpon Cove restoration project right in their own back yards. Palm Beach County identified degraded water quality and habitat in a 15 acre historic dredge hole in Tarpon Cove.

The Tarpon Cove project was created to improve water quality, increase nursery areas, and improve habitat for fisheries, benthic organisms and wildlife. The dredge hole was filled and the restoration team is now in the process of creating a variety of natural habitats including salt marshes, seagrasses, mangrove swamps, tidal flats, nesting bird rookeries and oyster beds.

With MANG and ERM (Environmental Resources Management), the students set out by boat to help develop the newly created island. Through their team work, determination and environmental stewardship, they were able to plant 900 one-gallon mangroves, 1,600 mangrove propagules and 4,000 Spartina grass plugs.

You can find Tarpon Cove in the Lake Worth Lagoon just south of the Lower Campus and adjacent to the El Cid neighborhood. Be sure to take note of these new islands as you pass by on Flagler Drive. They are a permanent reminder that concerned citizens, like our students, can contribute to preserving and restoring Florida’s natural habitats. PBDA students will continue to work with MANG and ERM to monitor the health of this restoration project for years to come.

Distance Learning: A New Twist on The Coral Project While social distancing has prohibited us from participating in many planned

experiences such as the Drift Card Citizen Scientist Experiment with the Angari Foundation, and has forced the cancellation of our Ninth Grade trip to the Island School, we are still able to stay connected with the local community. The Reef Institute is holding virtual classes for PBDA and the 8th and 9th graders had two NOAA Scientists present their work on coral reef conservation.

Our coral tanks continue to thrive and we are already brainstorming our experimental design projects and new adventures out in the field.

Lower Campus We have developed a strong partnership with Florida Atlantic University Pine Jog, and have created unique programs for each grade level. Kindergarten, first and second graders participated in the Teaching Empathy Through Nature Program, conducted by FAU Pine Jog, and the third graders ventured to Pine Jog for a hands-on experience in the field. The Reef Institute conducts lessons focusing on The Coral Project in first through third grades and maintains the Lower Campus salt water tank right outside the library and Innovation Lab. A Special Thanks Palm Beach Day Academy has received two generous grants from the Annette Urso Rickel Foundation, allowing us to update our campuses to include marine science spaces and to partner with world-class environmental science organizations. We are grateful to the Rickel Foundation whose generosity and funding are making learning come alive!

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S.T.E.A.M. Innovation

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or nearly a century, Palm Beach Day Academy students and teachers have worked together to maximize each student’s mastery of knowledge and skills. For much of that Century, knowledge of math, history, science and literature combined with the skills to communicate confidently about those topics were the hallmarks of an excellent education.

But, along the way the pace of change accelerated, making it necessary for students to add the cultivation of an adaptable and creative mindset to those fundamental skills.

More than ever, PBDA is preparing students for a world of opportunities that don’t even exist today. Creativity and adaptability will be essential.

The Upper Campus Innovation classes focus on exactly those skills. Wendy Bieneman and Christi Chane have designed their 4th and 5th Grade classes to allow the students to

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generate their own plans to solve problems that interest them. The projects begin with the teachers presenting suggestions for things the students can create, often connecting the theme to topics they are learning in other classes. Once the students begin to understand the possibilities the theme allows they are free to design their own creations or solutions. Failure is a frequent assistant to the teachers. Impulsive students learn that the planning phase is more valuable than they originally thought. Dominant team members learn that less assertive members have great ideas, too. As hard as it might be, students learn to abandon their own favorite idea when a better one is presented. And, everybody learns that the errors in any trial and error process are simply guardrails on the road to success – sometimes.

One project that captured the imaginations of 4th Graders was the task of creating lego

models of a Florida animal. The challenge was to give those models at least one moving part. Completing the project required the students to design a model that looked like the animal and then use lego motors and their own program code to create the movement.

Once the students understood the goal, Mrs. Beineman stepped back to let the teams work out each aspect. Structural failures, program glitches, and mechanical breakdowns followed. But, something was learned at each step. Adjustments were made.

Improvements were invented. Programming was refined. What might look chaotic in a math or English class, is pure learning in the Innovation lab. Everyone is involved, wrapping their minds around the physical realities of the structure and the details of programmed directions.

One of Mrs. Chane’s projects with 5th Graders involved showcasing their work from their reading class unit on Greek mythology. In reading, the students designed and created shields for Greek gods and goddesses in preparation for the Banquet

of the Gods. The innovation class learned to create a short video presentation of each shield and use QR codes to allow anyone with a smartphone to learn more about Greek mythology. Organizing information into an interesting presentation and delivering that to others electronically is a powerful communication skill that these students are sure to use for a lifetime.

Perhaps one of the most important lessons that gets taught in the Innovation Lab is that it’s possible for anyone who is interested to contribute to finding solutions to problems.

As it has to be, a certain amount of the school day is spent learning the right answers that are already known by others. Math problems have answers. Historical events have dates and grammar has rules that educated people know. Knowledge is the foundation that allows innovation. We believe students who can combine their store of knowledge with the creativity and adaptability encouraged in their innovation classes, will be able to participate in the search for new solutions.

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Individual Field Day Results - 2020

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alm Beach Day Academy’s 89th Walter H. Butler Field Day, sponsored by Schumacher Automotive Group, ended in a Flamingo victory with a score of 302-196. The Flamingos got off to a great start when their flag runners beat the Pelicans. The tide turned immediately when the Pelican alumni tug-o-war team beat the Flamingo alumni soundly.

Once the official point earning events began though, the Flamingos seemed unstoppable. They took an early lead that they held through the morning. By the time the relay events began, the Flamingos held a substantial lead. To overcome the gap, the Pelicans would have to win the relay events and many of the final tugs. For awhile, it looked as though they might succeed as the Pelicans won all but one of the six relay events. Their spirits were back as they squared off against the Flamingos in four tugs-o-war events. But, one by one, the Flamingos won all four tugs, more than sealing their victory for 2020. Many already guessed the outcome by the time Head of School, Fanning Hearon, announced the winning score and the Flamingos took to the field for their 43rd victory lap in the 89 year history of Field Day. The Flamingos were lead by their elected captains. They included 7-9th Grade Flamingos: Tyler Aronson & Kate Griffin; 7-9th Grade Pelicans: Ted Jemsten & Jasmine Lotfi; 6th Grade Flamingos: Molly Kapp & Thomas Pastore; and 6th Grade Pelicans: Kate Frost & Thomas Murray.

The Walter H. Butler Field Day began in 1931 when the school was only 10 years old. The Flamingo Captains were Marie Bassett and Frank Quigley, while Pelican Captains were Alice Wyeth and Wiley R. Reynolds. For the first 30 years until the 1960s, parents joined the competition alongside their children with family competitions including wheelbarrow, three-legged and sack races, and parentchild relay races. In 1994, Field Day was named in honor of Walter H. Butler, the Head of School from 1965 to 1988.

Over the years, Field Day has become Palm Beach Day Academy’s most beloved tradition. Families take pride in their team affiliations, which they pass on from generation to generation. Alumni of all ages return annually to cheer on their team and participate in a nostalgic alumni tug-o-war to kick off the day’s events. At the beginning of each year, new students learn of their team affiliations in a much anticipated Hatching Ceremony where they open their gold eggs to

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find inside either a blue Pelican or yellow Flamingo wristband. Even our youngest Bulldogs, ages 2 - 5, got into the spirit in separate Field Day events on Thursday, February 19.

One the day before Field Day, the 31st PBDA Knowledge Bowl was held in the Halmos Activities Center. The Pelicans won Knowledge Bowl with a score of 1010 to 660. The Pelican team consisted of 5th & 6th Graders Omar Dahabra, Gigi Georgas, Destiny Herd, and alternate Emery Ordway. The Flamingo 5th & 6th Graders were Carlisle Alexander, Gabby Kosoy, Sammy Pargiolas, and alternate Tristan Rhodenizer. The 7-9th Grade Pelican team consisted of Garvey Beall, Ted Jemsten, Mei Visconti, and alternate Alexis Koch.

The Flamingo 7-9th Grade team included Bertie Azqueta, Kate Griffin, Caroline Johnson, and alternate Madisen Williams.

5-6 Girls 40-yard dash – Scarlett. Rooks (F), Nahla Bond (F), Annabel Cohen (P) 5-6 Boys 40-yard dash – Bobby Patterson (F), James Osborn (F), Rasmus Ricci (P) 7-9 Girls 40-yard dash – Caroline Johnson (F), Ella Womble (F), Shakari Bell (F) 7-9 Boys 40-yard dash – Stephen Myers (P), James Caprio (F), Kiko Tomeu (F) 5-6 Girls 50-yard dash – Olivia Myers (P), Leah Aronson (F), Corinne. de Nigris (F) 5-6 Boys 50-yard dash – Xaviar Walker (P), Chris Ramos (F), EJ Bauer (F) 7-9 Girls 50-yard dash – Samantha Bauer (F), Marin Cvelbar (F), Rachel Petrelli (P) 7-9 Boys 50-yard dash – Christopher Ordway (P),Bertie Azqueta (F), Nikoli Dutkewych (F) 5-6 Girls 100-yard dash – Brooks Boyd (P), Jenna Abdo (P), Caroline Christu (P) 5-6 Boys 100-yard dash – Lucas Andreon (F), Berkay Ozgenc (P), John Georgas (P) 7-9 Girls 100-yard dash – Grace Zingaro (F), Jackie Turner (F), Alexa Petrovics (P) 7-9 Boys 100-yard dash – Roger Ramos * (F), A Rittgers (P), Brooks Beall (P) 5-6 Girls standing broad jump – Riley Harper (F), Jenna Abdo 2nd (P), Emery Ordway 2nd (P) 5-6 Boys standing broad jump – Thaddy Huainigg (F), Sterling Nolff (P), Gordon Brown (F) 7-9 Girls standing broad jump – Jasmine Lotfi* (P), Samantha Bauer (F), Chloe Osborn (P) 7-9 Boys standing broad jump – Roger Ramos* (F), Hudson Byrne (P), Garvey Beall (P) 5-6 Girls running broad jump – Jada McDonald* (P), Brooks Boyd (P), Lilly Strine (P) 5-6 Boys running broad jump – Aiden Conde* (P), Lucas Andreon (F), Bobby Patterson (F) 7-9 Girls running broad jump – Kate Griffin* (F), Grace Zingaro (F), Bella Patterson (F) 7-9 Boys running broad jump – Charlie Scotto* (P), Danny Zuniga (F), Christopher Ordway (P) 5-6 Girls softball throw – Molly Kapp (F), Isabella LaForte (P), Gigi Georgas (P) 5-6 Boys football throw – Hampton Beebe (F), Thomas Murray (P), Mathew Stigliano (P) 7-9 Girls softball throw – Ryan Wuhrman (F), Caroline Johnson (F), Gabby Lotfi (P) 7-9 Boys football throw – Tyler Aronson* (F), Griffin Miller (P), Grady Goodman (P) 5-6 Girls 300-yard run – Not Run This Year 5-6 Boys 300-yard run – Not Run This Year 7-9 Girls 300-yard run – Madisen Williams (F), Lolly Taylor (F), Katherine Pottash (F) 7-9 Boys 300-yard run – Not Run This Year 5-6 Girl/Boy 800-yard relay – (P) Cameron Gregory, Jada McDonald*, Chloe Petrovics, Thomas Murray 7-9 Girl/Boy 800-yard relay – (F) Tyler Aronson*, Kate Griffin*, Chloe Osborn, Danny Zuniga 5-6 Girls 800-yard relay – (P) Kate Frost, Gigi Georgas, Emery Ordway, Mackenzie Smith 5-6 Boys 800-yard relay – (P) Griffin Arp, Aiden Conde*, Sterling Nolff, Matthew Stigliano 7-9 Girls 800-yard relay – (P) Mary Arp, Jasmine Lotfi*, Carolyn Vernon, Maxine Wexler 7-9 Boys 800-yard relay – (P) Garvey Beall, Hudson Byrne, Griffin Miller*, Charlie Scotto* *Maddock Award Winners

Maddock Awards

Earned by student athletes who placed 1st in two events - individual or relay

Tyler Aronson (F) 7-9 Grade Boys Football Throw / 7-9 Grade Girl/Boy 800yd relay Aiden Conde (P) 5-6 Grade Boys running broad jump / 5-6 Grade Boys 800yd relay Kate Griffin (F) 7-9 Grade Girlss running broad jump / 7-9 Grade Girl/Boy 800yd relay Jasmine Lotfi (P) 7-9 Grade Girls standing broad jump / 7-9 Grade Girls 800yd relay Jada McDonald (P) 5-6 Grade Girls running broad jump / 5-6 Grade Girl/Boy 800yd relay Griffin Miller (P) 5-6 Grade Boys running broad jump / 7-9 Grade Boys 800yd relay Charlie Scotto (P) 7-9 Grade Boys running broad jump / 7-9 Grade Boys 800yd relay

The Pelicans won the 31st PBDA Knowledge Bowl with a score of xx to xx. Pelican team mates above are Kate Frost, 6th Grade contestant & Pelican Co-Captain; Emery Ordway 6th Grade alternate; Destiny Herd, 6th Grade contestant; Alexis Koch, 7-9th Grade alternate; Thomas Murry, 6th Grade Pelican Co-Captain; Omar Dahabra, 6th Grade contestant; Mei Visconti, 7-9th Grade contestant; Ted Jemsten, 7-9th Grade contestant & Pelican Co-Captain; Garvey Beall, 7-9th Grade contestant; Spike (Finn Lorentzen - Flamingo); Gigi Georgas, 6th Grade contestant; and Jasmine Lotfi, 7-9th Grade contestant & Pelican Co-Captain.

The Flamingos closed the 89th Walter H. Butler Field Day events with the traditional victory lap.

The 89 year Field Day record - Flamingos: 43 - Pelicans: 46

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A PALM BEACH DESTINATION FOR 32 YEARS

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Recipients of the Quintessentially Palm Beach Award

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FROM CREATING A LEGACY TO SHAPING FLORIDA’S FUTURE

Florida is more than where we work.

At Gunster, it’s who we are.

As one of the state’s oldest, largest and most progressive law firms, Gunster is committed to strategic growth that accommodates the evolving needs of Florida’s most prominent organizations, companies and individuals.

Across industries and across the state, we win with our people — more than 200 forward-thinking attorneys and consultants who provide leadership experience in business, government and philanthropy.

Since our founding in 1925, we’ve collaborated with our clients to devise better strategies and build value, one case at a time. And while our Florida roots run deep, our faith in Florida’s future is unshakable.

Gunster. Statewide and state wise.

Proud supporter of Palm Beach Day Academy.

For more information about our Private Wealth Services, contact Daniel A. Hanley or Jane W. Brown 151 Royal Palm Way | Palm Beach | 561.833.1970 | Gunster.com

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For more information, contact Daniel A. Hanley or Jane W. Brown 151 Royal Palm Way | Palm Beach | 561.833.1970 | Gunster.com

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John C. Cassidy Air Conditioning Inc.

Proudly Supports Palm Beach Day Academy

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Founding Sponsor

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Let’s break the cycle of substance use disorder before it begins.

To learn more about how to talk openly with your children, visit: